The stage is set for the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), with a remarkable 6,382 athletes, coaches, officials, and delegates expected to gather in Asaba, Delta State, from August 29 to September 6, 2025.

 

Following the successful conclusion of the Digital Registration Management (DRM) process, all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have confirmed participation, underscoring the ever-growing scale and significance of the Games as Nigeria’s premier grassroots sporting festival.

 

According to the breakdown provided by organizers, the participants include 4,961 athletes, 635 coaches, 386 team officials, and 400 state delegates. Gombe State remains the only state yet to fully complete its DRM process for a contingent of 74 participants, though the total number remains officially pegged at 6,382.

 

No fewer than 37 sporting events will be contested during the nine-day competition, offering a broad platform for young talents to showcase their skills and compete for honors. The defending champions, Team Delta, will look to leverage home advantage to retain their title but will face stiff opposition from other states eager to dethrone them.

 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) hailed the NYG as more than just a competition, describing it as a “celebration of talent, determination, and national unity.”

 

“This year’s edition will again demonstrate Nigeria’s wealth of youthful talent and the power of sport to unite,” the Commission said in a statement. “The National Youth Games is a critical part of our sporting development pipeline, and it offers a glimpse into the future of Nigerian sports.”

 

With logistics in place and anticipation mounting, Asaba is set to host a festival of youth, energy, and sporting excellence, as the next generation of Nigerian sports stars prepare to shine